Pacific
Primary was founded in 1974, by a group of parents and Mary Nordland Bodo.
A Board of Directors was elected and funds were raised from foundations,
parents and other interested parties enabling the school to acquire and
remodel the site at 1500 Grove Street. The immeasurable cooperative effort
by staff and parents that turned their goals into a reality set the precedent
for the supportive, cooperative and cohesive community that still surrounds
the school. Parents continue to actively support the school by fundraising
and maintaining the school’s physical plant and are welcome in the
classroom and on field trips. The staff continues to consist of some of
the most talented, experienced and dedicated professionals in their field.
Financially, the school has also thrived; the mortgage was paid off early
in 1992 and a tuition assistance endowment has been raised.
Under the guidance of the school’s second Director, Charlotte Burchard
from 1982-1995, Pacific Primary became a respected leader in the early childhood
education community. In July 1995, Pacific Primary welcomed its third Director,
Belann Giarretto, who has over 20 years experience in the early childhood
field as a Director, Teacher and Parent Educator in San Francisco. Under
her leadership, the school has transformed in signficant ways. Teacher:student
ratios have improved and both staff development and the educational philosophy
have been strengthened. The percentage of children of color has increased
from 25% to nearly 50%. As the school approaches its 30th anniversary its
community, curriculum and values continue to reflect its founding mission.